Glycol dehydration

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 Introduction

Process description

Design considerations

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 Introduction

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 Introduction-1

Where inhibition is not feasible or practical,

dehydration must be used.
Dehydration can be achieved either by auto-
refrigeration or by liquid and solid desiccants
Both liquid and solid desiccants may be used,
but economics frequently favor liquid
desiccant dehydration when it will meet the
required dehydration specification.
Gas dehydration is the process of removing
water vapor from a gas stream to lower the
temperature at which water will condense.
Most gas sales contracts specify a maximum
value for the amount of water vapor allowable
in the gas.
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 Introduction-1

Dew point depression is the difference in

°C between the inlet gas temperature and
the water dew point temperature of the
outlet gas.
Therefore, a gas at 38°C and 69bara must
have a dewpoint depression of 38°C to
meet 0°C as pipeline specifications.
Dewpoint depression is accomplished by
dehydration.

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 Auto-refrigeration with LTS

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 Auto-refrigeration with LTX

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 Auto-refrigeration with LTX

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 Introduction-1

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 Introduction-2

Dehydration to dew points below the temperature

to which the gas will be subjected will prevent
hydrate formation and corrosion from condensed
water.
The latter consideration is especially important in
gas streams containing CO2 or H2S where the
acid gas components will form an acid with the
condensed water.

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 Introduction-3

WATER CONTENT DETERMINATION

The first step in evaluating and/or designing a gas

dehydration system is to determine the water content
of the gas.
The water content of a gas is dependent upon gas
composition, temperature, and pressure.
For sweet natural gases containing over 70%
methane and small amounts of "heavy ends," the
McKetta-Wehe pressure-temperature correlation, may
be used.
A correction for acid gas should be made when the
gas stream contains more than 5% CO2 and/or H2S.

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 PROCESS DESCRIPTION

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 Process Description-1

 Glycols are typically used for applications where dew point

depressions of the order of 60° to 120°F are required.
 Diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), and
tetraethylene glycol (TREG) are used as liquid desiccants,
but TEG is the most common for natural gas dehydration.
 Good practice dictates installing an inlet gas scrubber,
even if the dehydrator is near a production separator.
 The inlet gas scrubber will prevent accidental dumping of
large quantities of water (fresh or salty), hydrocarbons,
treating chemicals or corrosion inhibitors into the glycol
contactor.
 Even small quantities of these materials can result in
excessive glycol losses due to foaming, reduced efficiency,
and increased maintenance.
 Integral separators at the bottom of the contactor are
common.

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 Process Description-2

 The regenerated glycol is

pumped to the top tray of
the contactor (absorber).
 The glycol absorbs water
as it flows down through
the contactor
countercurrent to the gas
flow.

 Water-rich glycol is removed from the bottom of the contactor, flashes off most of the
soluble gas in the flash tank, and flows through the rich-lean heat exchanger to the
regenerator.
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 Process Description-3

In the regenerator,

absorbed water is
distilled from the glycol
at near atmospheric
pressure by application
of heat.
The regenerated lean
glycol exits the surge
drum, is partly cooled
in the lean-rich
exchanger and is
pumped through the
glycol cooler before
being re-circulated to
the contactor.

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 Process Description-4

 At each successive tray the leaner

glycol is able to absorb additional
amounts of water vapor from the gas.
 The contactor works in the same
manner as a condensate stabilizer
tower.
 As the glycol falls from tray to tray it
becomes richer and richer in water.
 As the gas rises it becomes leaner and
leaner in water vapor.
 Glycol contactors will typically have
between 6 and 12 trays, depending
upon the water dew point required.
 To have a 7 Ib/MMscf specification, 6
to 8 trays are common.

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 Design considerations

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 Design considerations

Choice of Glycol
 The commonly available glycols and their uses are:
1. Ethylene glycol—High vapor equilibrium with gas so tend to
lose to gas phase in contactor.
2. Diethylene glycol—High vapor pressure leads to high losses
in contactor.
Low decomposition temperature requires low re-
concentrator temperature (315°F to 340°F) and thus cannot
get pure enough for most applications.
3. Triethylene glycol—Most common. Reconcentrate at 340°F
to 400°F for high purity. At contactor temperatures in excess
of 120°F tends to have high vapor losses to gas. Dew point
depressions up to 150°F are possible with stripping gas.
4. Tetraethylene glycol—More expensive than triethylene but
less losses at high gas contact temperatures. Reconcentrate
at 400°F to 430°F.
 Almost all field gas dehydration units use triethylene glycol.
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 Design considerations

The physical properties of the glycols are shown in the following table:

Monoethylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) Triethylene Glycol (TEG)
Glycol (MEG)

Chemical Formula C2H6O2 C4H10O3 C6H14O4

Relative Mol. Mass 62.1 106.1 150.2

Boiling Point at
197.3ºC 244.8ºC 288ºC
atmospheric pressure

Density at 25ºC 1110 Kg/m3 1113 Kg/m3 1119 Kg/m3

Density at 60ºC 1085 Kg/m3 1088 Kg/m3 1092 Kg/m3

Freezing Point -13ºC -8ºC 7ºC

Flashpoint (COC) 116ºC 138ºC 160ºC

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 Design considerations

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 Design considerations
Inlet Gas Temperature

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 Design considerations

Contactor Pressure

 Contactor pressures have little effect on the glycol absorption

process as long as the pressures remain below 3,000 psig.
 At a constant temperature the water content of the inlet gas
decreases with increasing pressure, thus less water must be
removed if the gas is dehydrated at a higher pressure.
 In addition, a smaller contactor can be used at high pressure
as the actual velocity of the gas is lower, which decreases the
required diameter of the contactor.
 At lower pressure less wall thickness is required to contain
the pressure in a given diameter contactor,
 therefore, an economic trade-off exists between operating
presssure and contactor cost.
 Typically, dehydration pressures of 500 to 1,200 psi are most
economical.

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 Design considerations

Number of Contactor Trays

The glycol and the gas do not reach equilibrium on each tray.
A tray efficiency of 25% is commonly used for design.
That is, if one theoretical equilibrium tray is needed, four
actual trays are specified.
In bubble cap towers, tray spacing is normally 24 in.
The more trays the greater the dew-point depression for a
constant glycol circulation rate and lean glycol concentration.
By specifying more trays, fuel savings can be realized
because the heat duty of the reboiler is directly related to the
glycol circulation rate.
The additional investment for a taller contactor is often easily
justified by the resultant fuel savings.
Most contactors designed for 1 Ib/MMscf gas are sized for 6
to 8 trays.

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 Design considerations

Lean Glycol Temperatures

 The temperature of the lean glycol entering the

contactor has an effect on the gas dew-point depression
and should be held low to minimize required circulation
rate.
 High glycol losses to the gas exiting the contactor may
occur when the lean glycol temperature gets too hot.
 On the other hand, the lean glycol temperature should
be kept slightly above the contactor gas temperature to
prevent hydrocarbon condensation in the contactor and
subsequent foaming of the glycol.
 Most designs call for a lean glycol temperature 10°F to
15 °F (2 to 7 °C) higher than the inlet gas temperature to
the contactor.

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 Design considerations
Glycol Concentration
The higher the concentration of the lean glycol the greater the dew point
depression for a given glycol circulation rate and number of trays

Actual dew points

of gas leaving the
contactor will be
10°F to 20°F higher
than equilibrium.

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 Design considerations
Glycol concentration Versus circulation rate increasing
Increasing the lean glycol concentration can have a much greater effect on dew-
point depression than increasing the circulation rate.

To obtain a 70°F dew-

point depression a
circulation rate of 6.2
gal/lb at 99.95%, 8.2
gal/lb at 99.5% or in
excess of 12 gal/lb at
99% is required.
Glycol concentrations
between 98 and 99%
are common for most
field gas units.

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 Design considerations
Glycol Reboiler Temperature
 The reboiler temperature controls the concentration of the water in the lean glycol.
 The higher the temperature the higher the concentration.

Reboiler temperatures
for triethylene glycol
are limited to 400°F,
which limits the
maximum lean glycol
concentration without
stripping gas.
Reboiler temperatures
limited to between
370°F and 390°F to
minimize degradation
of the glycol. This limits
the lean glycol
concentration to
between 98.5% and
98.9%.

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 Design considerations

Reboiler Pressure

Pressures above atmospheric in the reboiler can significantly

reduce lean glycol concentration and dehydration efficiency.
At pressures below atmospheric the boiling temperature of the
rich glycol/water mixture decreases, and a greater lean glycol
concentration is possible at the same reboiler temperature.
Reboilers are rarely operated at a vacuum in field gas
installations, because of the added complexity.
In addition, it is normally less expensive to use stripping gas.
If lean glycol concentrations in the range of 99.5% are required,
consider using a reboiler pressure of 500 mm Hg absolute
(approximately 10 psia) as well as using stripping gas.
Sometimes the addition of a vacuum will help extend the range
of an existing glycol system.

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 Design considerations

Stripping Gas

 The lean glycol concentration leaving the reboiler

can be increased by contacting the glycol with
stripping gas .
 Often, wet gas that is saturated with water vapor at
ambient temperature and 25 to 100 psig is used.
 At 25 psig and 100°F this gas is saturated with 1,500
Ib/MMscf of water vapor. At
atmospheric pressure and the temperatures in the
reboiler the gas can absorb over 100,000 Ib/MMscf.
 it is desirable to use stripping gas only to increase
lean glycol concentration above 98.5 to 98.9%, which
can be reached with normal reboiler temperatures
and normal back pressure on the still column.

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 Design considerations
Effect on the glycol purity of stripping gas flow rate for various reboiler
temperatures, assuming the gas is injected directly into the reboiler.

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 Design considerations

Glycol Circulation Rate

When the number of absorber trays and lean
glycol concentration are fixed, the dew-point
depression of a saturated gas is a function of the
glycol circulation rate.
The more glycol that comes in contact with the
gas, the more water vapor is stripped out of the
gas.
The minimum circulation rate to assure good
glycol-gas contact is about two gallons of glycol
for each pound of water to be removed.
Seven gallons of glycol per pound of water
removed is about the maximum rate.

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 Design considerations

Glycol Circulation Rate

Most standard dehydrators are designed for
approximately three gallons of glycol per pound of
water removed.
An excessive circulation rate may overload the
reboiler and prevent good glycol regeneration.
The heat required by the reboiler is proportional to the
circulation rate.
Thus, an increase in circulation rate may decrease
reboiler temperature, decreasing lean glycol
concentration, and actually decrease the amount of
water that is removed by the glycol from the gas.
Only if the reboiler temperature remains constant will
an increase in circulation rate lower the dew point of
the gas.

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 System sizing

Stripping Still Temperature

A higher temperature in the top of the still

column can increase glycol losses due to
excessive vaporization.
The boiling point of water is 212°F and the
boiling point of TEG is 546°F.
The recommended temperature in the top of
the still column is approximately 225°F.
When temperature exceeds 250°F glycol
vaporization losses may become substantial.

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 System sizing

System Variables interrelation

Glycol system sizing involves specifying the
correct contactor diameter and number of
trays, which establishes its overall height;
selecting a glycol circulation rate and lean
glycol concentration; and calculating the
reboiler heat duty.
The number of trays, glycol circulation rate
and lean glycol concentration are all
interrelated.
The greater the number of trays the lower
the circulation rate or lean glycol
concentration required.

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 System sizing
System Variables interrelation

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 System sizing
System Variables interrelation

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 System sizing
System Variables interrelation

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 System sizing

Contactor Sizing

Bubble cap contactors are the most common.

The minimum diameter can be determined using
the equation derived for gas separation in vertical
separators. This is:

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 System sizing

Contactor diameter estimation chart

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 System sizing

Contactor Sizing
Reasonable choices of contactor diameter are obtained
when the contactor is sized to separate 120-150 micron
droplets of glycol in the gas. The density of glycol can be
estimated as 70 lb/ft3.
Structured packing can handle higher gas flow rates
than bubble cap trays in the same diameter contactor.
Conventional and random packing will require
approximately the same diameter as bubble caps.
The height per equivalent theoretical tray normally
ranges from 8 ft for low dew points to 4 ft for moderate
dew points.
 Adequate mist eliminator and glycol distribution is
needed for high gas flow rates.

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 System sizing

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 System sizing

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 System sizing
Solution

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 System sizing

Solution

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 System sizing

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 Operation & Maintenance

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 Operation & Maintenance

The plant performance is governed by cleanliness

of the inlet gas, temperature and pressure of the
inlet gas, glycol circulation rate, lean glycol
concentration and glycol purity.
Presence of contaminants can foul glycol systems.
Deposits may occur on reboiler tubes causing
tube failure, plugging of pump lines and reduced
heat transfer.
Operating and corrosion problems usually occur
when the circulating glycol solution becomes
contaminated. Some of the major problems are
oxidation, thermal decomposition, pH control, salt
contamination, hydrocarbon contamination and
foaming.
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 Operation & Maintenance
Solution Maintenance
Chemical analysis of the solution can often prevent or identify the
cause of operating problems.
Analyses are for water pH, lower glycols hydrocarbons foaming
tendency, and inorganic salts.
Checking the glycol pH periodically and keeping it in the range of
7.0 to 7.5 by the addition of borax, ethanolamine (usually
triethanolamine), or other alkaline chemicals.
Too high a pH (e.g., over 8.0-8.5) is undesirable because it can
increase the tendency of the solution to foam and form emulsions
with hydrocarbons.

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 Operation & Maintenance

Oxygen may enter a system with the inlet gas,

through unblanketed storage tanks and sumps,
through the pump packing glands or via spilled
or leaked glycol recovered from the drain.
Glycols will oxidise readily in the presence of
oxygen and form corrosive organic acids.
Recovered glycol which is old or dirty or has
been exposed to oxygen should not be returned
to the glycol systems and should be safely
disposed of.

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 Operation & Maintenance

Excessive heat will decompose the glycol to form

corrosive compounds. Localised hot spots is a
serious problem caused by deposits of salt on the
reboiler heater
An accumulation of solid particles and tarry
hydrocarbons results in the formation of a black,
sticky and abrasive gum which can cause erosion of
pumps, valves and other equipment. It usually
occurs when the glycol pH is low and becomes very
hard and brittle when deposited. Proper solution
filtration and changeout of filter elements will prevent
accumulation of sludge and solids.

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 Operation & Maintenance

Foaming increases glycol losses and reduces the

capacity of the system. Entrained glycol will carry
over the top of the contactor if stable foam builds up.
The most satisfactory cure for foaming is gas
cleaning ahead of the glycol system and proper
filtration of the circulating solution.
The success of the Anti Foam is usually dependent
upon when and how it is added. Some AFs, when
added after the foam is generated, act as good
inhibitors, but, when added before foam generation,
act as good foam stabilisers, which makes the
problem worse. AFs should be added continuously,
a drop at a time, for best results.

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 Operation & Maintenance

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

The following items should be checked periodically:

Eliminate any excessive vibration of the unit,
especially on level and temperature controllers and
pump suction and discharge lines.
Make a frequent check of levels, temperatures,
pressure and pumping rate. These data will be
valuable for diagnosing problems and preventing any
unnecessary shut-downs.
Stock sufficient spare glycol filter elements, level
control floats, and any other required spare items.

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 Operation & Maintenance

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE (cont.)

Change the glycol particle filter elements whenever the

pressure drop across the filter reaches 170 kPa or at least
every 3 to 6 months. When a shut-down is scheduled, trip
one of the shut-downs manually. If the shut-down system
is not operated occasionally, it may tend to be sluggish or
fail to function.
Add glycol as needed to the surge vessel. Never fill to
more than two-thirds full.
Blow out the glycol strainers regularly for cleaning; save
the glycol and put it back into the storage tank or surge
drum.
Take a sample of lean glycol for analysis regularly.
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 Operation & Maintenance

Troubleshooting of TEG DEHYDRATION Plant

The high water content in the sales gas stream and

high glycol losses are the indications of malfunction
in glycol dehydration units.
Mostly high water content dehydrated gas is brought
about by either insufficient glycol circulation or
insufficient purity of the glycol.
Glycol consumption should be checked periodically
to give another indication of how well the TEG
system is operating.
The on-line dewpoint analysers should be validated
by direct measurement.

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 Operation & Maintenance

Troubleshooting of TEG DEHYDRATION Plant (cont)

High water content;

Verify the circulation rate, pump stroking and check
the valves to see if they are seating properly.
Check pump suction strainer for blockage. Open
bleed valve to eliminate vapour lock.
Ensure surge drum level is sufficiently high.
Check differential pressure to check for filter
plugging.
Check pump plunger glands for any leakage

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 Operation & Maintenance

Troubleshooting of TEG DEHYDRATION Plant (cont)

Insufficient Purity
Verify reboiler temperature with a test thermometer
Check glycol-glycol heat exchangers for leakage of
wet glycol into the dry glycol
Check stripping gas, if used

Poor glycol distribution

With packed columns poor glycol distribution will
result in insufficient wetting of the packing and poor
performance.
Check alignment of distributor and ensure there are
no blockages.

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 Operation & Maintenance

Troubleshooting of TEG DEHYDRATION Plant (cont)

Glycol Loss
Foaming will be caused often due to contamination
of glycol with salt, hydrocarbon, particulates, or
corrosion inhibitor.
Remove the source of contamination and if the glycol
system is badly contaminated, recharge the system
with new glycol.
To avoid excessive gas velocity in contactor and
potential loss, decrease gas flow rate and increase
the gas pressure in the contactor

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 Operation & Maintenance

Troubleshooting of TEG DEHYDRATION Plant (cont)

Loss of glycol from the still column

Ensure that the surge drum is vented to atmosphere
Determine whether free water is entering the
contactor with the gas stream and thus overloading
the regenerator
Clean or replace the still column packing if fouled
Add AF

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 Operation & Maintenance

Troubleshooting of TEG DEHYDRATION Plant (cont)

Loss of glycol from the glycol flash vessel

Trough and weir type flash vessels may have an
adjustable glycol weir set too high. This leads to glycol
carry-over into the hydrocarbon condensate section.
Check the operation of the glycol outlet line. Where
there is total carry-over, the glycol flow control valve
will remain closed.
Take a sample from the hydrocarbon condensate
outlet line and analyse for the presence of glycol.
Lower the glycol weir if glycol carry-over is apparent.
It should be set a minimum of 75 mm below that of the
condensate weir
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